Scars Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran had overcome the effects of impairment to employment through suitable occupation consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests until September 5, 2003. Therefore, retroactive entitlement to Vocational Rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31 prior to this date was denied.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied as there is no evidence within the year prior to April 11, 2002 that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable.

The Board dismissed the appeal on the issue of service connection for emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (claimed as lung condition) as a result of asbestos exposure due to the appellant's withdrawal. The claim for an increased evaluation for the scar was not granted, and the effective date for the 10 percent disability evaluation was determined to be June 2002.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance, nor specially adapted housing or a home adaptation grant.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for VA examinations, Social Security Administration records, and proper notice under Dingess v. Nicholson.

The veteran's post-operative hip condition is not rated higher than 50 percent, his migraines are rated at 30 percent, and his GERD is rated at 10 percent. No other conditions or issues have been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected burn scars and laceration scar, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for several conditions, including oral leukoplakia with squamous cell carcinoma and other respiratory issues. The decision is based on presumed exposure to ionizing radiation during service.

The veteran's PTSD has been linked to his major depressive disorder, which has been found to be moderately severe in degree. The Board has determined that the most appropriate initial evaluation for PTSD is 50 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for corneal retinal scarring and blindness, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for chronic bilateral blepharitis. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The veteran is seeking a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has ordered additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting an examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, sinus disorder, sleeping disorder, skin rashes and cancer, scars, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and respiratory disorders. The decision was based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and an increased evaluation for her right foot disability. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or chronicity of symptomatology, leading to denial of both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound scar on his left leg does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating, as it is not deep or limited in motion. The claim is therefore denied.

The veteran's initial compensable rating for scar, laceration of the forehead was granted prior to August 5, 2003. As of that date, he is entitled to a 10 percent evaluation for this condition. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and headaches were denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities, but rather by alcohol intoxication. The cause of death is therefore denied.

The veteran's burn scar residuals of the forearms, chest, back, abdomen, thighs and legs have been rated as 30 percent disabling. The September 2004 VA examination revealed that these scars exceed 144 square inches (929 square centimeters), warranting a 40 percent rating.

The veteran's histoplasmosis is inactive and asymptomatic, warranting a noncompensable evaluation. Service connection for swelling and pain of the feet due to an undiagnosed illness is granted.